Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 187: Marriage Conditions

Purana Qila , Delhi, 7th April 1557.

Unaware of the turmoil in Kashmir, Delhi’s atmosphere was rather lively. Samrat Hemu returned with only ten thousand of his forces, leaving the rest stationed as reinforcements in Rewari and Amber.

The people rejoiced at Prince Aditya’s return, but many were puzzled by Hemu’s unexpected presence at the grand ceremony. He was supposed to remain in the capital, yet his unannounced attendance only added to the event’s grandeur, as crowds flocked to the streets in overwhelming numbers to cheer and pay tribute to their sovereign.

For Aditya, this day held special significance as he shared the emperor’s seat on his favorite elephant, Hawai. The message was clear: the prince was soon to be declared heir. This inevitably boosted Aditya’s reputation and influence among the masses, with the emperor’s indirect support , which was already at its peak.

Adding to the intrigue was the arrival of a southern princess. Many in Delhi were unfamiliar with the Vijayanagar Empire, but Princess Meenakshi’s arrival, escorted by Maratha soldiers, stirred curiosity and rumors that would soon attract unwanted troubles for Aditya.

Princess Meenakshi, however, was thrilled by the people’s warm reception. Witnessing the stability and joy of the empire’s subjects filled her with confidence. She saw this as a hopeful sign, a positive omen for the future of her own empire, as the alliance with Delhi seemed ever more promising.

Upon arriving in his quarters, Aditya was bombarded with visit requests. Many nobles, traders, and officials had sought meetings, most related either to his company or marriage proposals. He was dumbfounded to see several repeat requests, even from those previously rejected by the emperor himself. One particularly persistent proposal came from the kingdom of Nepal.

Aditya postponed all these requests and arranged a meeting with his intelligence chief, Jaydev Patil, to get the latest updates on the city’s and court’s political affairs. Once briefed, he summoned Balwindar and outlined his plan to expand the imperial spy network by establishing local inns across the empire. He asked Balwindar to cooperate, offering in return the intelligence chief’s help in training their units in espionage and providing the necessary resources.

As Aditya returned to his quarters, hoping to read some historical records, he was surprised to find Princess Meenakshi at the door, accompanied by the royal butler, Yashpal, who was in the middle of showing her around the palace.

Aditya invited her in, and she accepted eagerly, as if she’d been waiting for the invitation. He chuckled as Yashpal mentioned that Meenakshi wanted him to fulfill his promise of a city tour.

Meenakshi, on the other hand, was taken aback by Aditya’s quarters. Though neat and clean, it was unlike any room she’d seen before, filled with unfamiliar interiors designed more for work than comfort.

Aditya felt slightly awkward, aware that his room was filled with custom-made furniture, more modern in style. It looked more like a storage space, cluttered with small desks, tables, chairs, and wardrobes packed with his secret designs and experiments.

Eager to escape the situation, Aditya quickly accepted the role of her guide and took her on a tour of the fort and city. However, his hospitality did not go unnoticed by few influential eyes, who were wary of fostering foreign relationships.

Later that evening, when Aditya returned to his quarters, a summons awaited him. He was requested to visit Sayantika Sen in her chambers. As he entered the room, he was immediately struck by the sheer opulence. The craftsmanship on display, from the intricately designed ceiling to the simple yet elegant flower vase, was truly remarkable. The luxury was befitting a room fit for an empress. The space seemed vast, almost like a hidden mansion within the palace.

Passing through a series of doors, he heard a commanding yet mature feminine voice call out, "Aditya, I’m here."

Sayantika Sen sat in a regal chair with authoritarian presence. She wore a yellow saree adorned with jewellery, radiating a true aura of nobility. By her side stood a butler Aditya had never seen before.

She gestured for him to take the seat across from her, then ordered the butler . "Kalyan, see if the prince needs anything."

Aditya, feeling slightly nervous in the presence of his lover’s mother, smiled awkwardly and replied, "Thank you, Your Grace, but I’m fine."

Sayantika’s demeanour remained cold and distant. Without acknowledging his response, she ordered the butler to leave them. Once the room was empty, her sharp gaze returned to Aditya.

"I expect you have some idea as to the reason for my summons, Prince."

Aditya’s heart pounded; he knew she was confronting him about his affair with her daughter. The situation felt dire, especially since he had acted against the emperor’s warning. With an apologetic look, he replied, "Yes, Your Excellency."

Sayantika’s eyes narrowed, and with a piercing gaze, she stated, "Good. Then let’s come straight to the point: why did you sleep with my daughter?"

Aditya began to sweat profusely, his eyes shifting to the ground as he replied, "I didn’t intend for it to happen. It just occurred by accident."

Sayantika smirked, "Accident? And twice in a row?" She mocked him with sarcasm. "Could the prince define ’accident,’ or perhaps reveal how many such ’fortunate accidents’ he’s had in his life?"

Aditya looked back at her seriously. "I swear, Your Grace, I am not such a cheap character. She was my first and only one with whom..." He trailed off, sensing the fierce look in her eyes.

Sayantika raised an eyebrow. "How bold!" Leaning forward, she pressed, "Then why must it be my daughter?"

Aditya met her gaze seriously this time. "Because I love her," he confessed. "I love her wholeheartedly, and I want to marry her."

Sayantika folded her arms across her chest and leaned back on the sofa. "Does being in love give you the right to indulge in such indecent behavior before marriage?"

At this point, Aditya felt annoyance bubbling within him. He wanted to retort that it was she who tempted him with her alluring beauty and that he couldn’t control himself, especially since he knew she liked him. But he knew better than to voice such thoughts.

He said earnestly. "I know what I have done has greatly angered you, but I assure you that I intend to take full responsibility."

Sayantika smiled sarcastically. "And how is that going to happen? By courting another princess from a distant empire?"

Aditya understood her implications and assured her, "I think, Your Excellency, that you have misunderstood me in this regard. She is just a friend, and I had no such intentions."

Sayantika calmed down slightly and inquired, "So, you truly intend to marry her?"

Aditya nodded, prompting Sayantika to smirk again. "But there are conditions, Prince. As a mother and ruler of the Bengali people, I have obligations. Are you certain you will not back down?"

At that moment, Aditya understood the game being played. He felt as if he were coiled by a snake, only to be swallowed whole. His instincts warned him that she was about to reveal her fangs, but he had little choice, so he agreed, "I would like to listen."

Sayantika’s expression remained firm as she finally revealed, "I have only two conditions. First, I want you to marry my daughter as your first wife, the sooner, the better."

Aditya nodded seriously. He had no objection as he wanted to marry Raamya and keep her close.

Sayantika then added, "And second, I want your promise that the heir to the throne must be yours and Raamya’s. I don’t care how many others you choose to marry or involve yourself with, but your firstborn must be declared the heir."

Aditya frowned, taken aback by the condition. He inquired, "But I’m not the crown prince yet. Even if I marry her, how could our firstborn have a claim?"

Sayantika smiled confidently. "You don’t need to worry about that. Your father has shown no interest in marriage, and as it stands, there is no other suitor. The marriage proposals are already pouring in, but I refuse to stand by and watch. As long as I have the upper hand, I intend to use it."

Aditya, still cautious, pressed further. "What if the Samrat rejects or changes his mind down the line?"

Sayantika’s tone turned decisive as she leaned in, "All you need to do is marry and produce an heir. Leave the rest to me. You’ll have our full support. Think of the power and influence that will be yours..."

Aditya’s thoughts began to drift. His mind wandered back to the emperor’s lesson of ’power’ or ’love.’ in the chess match. His trance was abruptly broken as Sayantika finished, "...and if necessary, we can even support you militarily. Though I hope it doesn’t come to that."

The mention of rebellion was unmistakable, and Aditya’s demeanor turned cold. He stared at her with an intensity that made her flinch. "And what if I don’t agree?"

Sayantika, caught off guard by the shift in his tone, stammered, "Wh-what? Did I hear wrong?"

Aditya smiled, leaning forward with his hands clasped. "What if I refuse your second condition? What if I choose to establish a system where the heir is selected based on merit, not by birth or preference?"

Sayantika’s face hardened momentarily, but she quickly composed herself. She pressed, "You’re delusional. It seems your early victories have gone to your head, making you think you can play the messiah. Without a clearly designated heir, there would be chaos, factions fighting for the throne. And if a choice must be made, why not your first love? Why entertain such foolish ideas?"

Aditya’s voice remained calm yet firm. "Leave that matter to me. But it still depends on whether I’m chosen as heir by the Samrat . I have no intention of going against his wishes."

Sayantika raised an eyebrow with mockery. "Oh, so this is about avoiding responsibility? Are you just using the Samrat’s decision as an excuse? You know the consequences, don’t you?"

Aditya leaned back, folding his arms, undermining her authority. "And have you thought of the consequences of your actions if you proceed as you’ve planned?"

Sayantika’s brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Aditya leaned forward with a menacing grin, "Let’s say you go ahead and complain to the Samrat about what I’ve done, and I get banished to some remote corner of the empire. But, in the end, I’m still the Samrat’s blood. I’d live comfortably, and who knows.. he might call me back, especially since you yourself admitted I’m the best choice as heir. In the end, wouldn’t it be your loss?"

Sayantika’s frown deepened as Aditya continued with sharp tone, "Think about it, Your Grace.. what would people say about your daughter.. if she is linked to me? Shouldn’t you be the one falling on my feet , rather than presenting these absurd conditions?"

Sayantika, seething with rage, stood up abruptly, "Aditya!"

Aditya rose to his feet as well, his eyes cold. "Watch your tone," he warned. "I came here to speak with my future mother-in-law, but instead, I found a shrewd politician willing to gamble her daughter’s future for her own gain. You’re using her as a bargaining chip, and it’s disgusting. isn’t sacrificing her childhood enough?"

Sayantika, her fury boiling over, raised her hand to strike him, but Aditya caught her wrist mid-air with ease. He twisted her arm swiftly, forcing her back onto her seat.

His voice dropped to a chilling whisper, "If I wanted, I could have you arrested for conspiring against the empire. But for your daughter’s sake, I’ll let this slide. Keep quiet, and let me marry her. You’d be wise to stop playing these games, or you’ll find yourself far worse off."

As Aditya stormed out of the room, his grandfather, Chandrashekhar, emerged quietly from the shadows. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Sayantika, trying to compose herself, quickly adjusted her posture and offered a respectful apology. "My deepest apologies, Your Excellency. You had to witness such a disgraceful exchange, all because of my poor handling," she said with quivering voice as she wiped away her tears. "I must be a pathetic excuse for a mother."

Chandrashekhar let out a weary sigh and offered his own apology. "It is I who should apologize. It was my decision to set the stage and test the mettle of this younger generation." His gaze fell on her arm, which still bore the marks of Aditya’s rough grip. "I’ll call for the physician immediately. he’s been too harsh with you."

Sayantika, regaining her composure, shook her head softly as she wiped her face. "There’s no need, Your Excellency," she reassured him, as she calmed herself. "It’s all part of serving the Samrajya." She offered a resigned smile. "No wonder there’s no other suitor worthy of my daughter."